12/09/2023
Studio 46 Guitars can now source and install Vega-Trem tremolo systems. The Vega-Trem is a totally new design that ditches the traditional post and knife edge design used on other two post tremolos like Fender, Gotoh, Wilkinson and Floyd Rose. With the Vega-Trem a small block with two grooves gets attached to the body just before the tremolo cavity rout using machine screws and threaded inserts or wood screws in the case of the vintage style model. The body of the tremolo has two integrated knife edges which ride in this slot making the whole unit very stable and less prone to wear then the traditional two post\knife edge designs. The other unique aspect of the Vega-Trem is that the entire unit is so small that it will recess into the tremolo body cavity rout allowing for a crazy range of up pull on the bar and being able to raise the pitch much higher than even a recessed Floyd Rose. Another totally unique design philosophy is that the Vega-Trem does not use a traditional sustain block where the strings go through holes into the block. The Vega-Trem allows the strings to sit outside the sustain block eliminating another source of potential friction and binding which can cause other tremolos to go sharp. Vega-Trem uses two tension springs, these are set up based the type of strings you use and have extra light, light, medium and hard tension covering gauges from .008 all the way up to .011. The springs get locked into the sustain block using two small grub screws, this prevents them from popping off when you pull back on the tremolo to raise the pitch. The entire tremolo is made from stainless steel and the machining tolerances are very tight.
Q&A
How does the Vega-Trem feel compared to a traditional vintage style non locking trem? It is much more responsive and feels like a cross between a vintage style trem and a Floyd Rose double locking system.
Does the bar\arm lock and can the tension be controlled? Yes, the bar\arm locks to the bridge using a threaded collar similar to a modern Floyd Rose but has the added benefit of two small O rings to eliminate any wobble and allow you to dial in the tension precisely.
What are some of the caveats? There are two small things you will need to get used to if you install a Vega-Trem. The Vega-Trem will require you to leave your tremolo back plate off your guitar as the holes do not align since the sustain block is such a radically different design. The other thing you will need to get used to is that when you remove all the strings the springs will pull the body of the tremolo back into the body rout until you install new strings and get them tuned to proper tension.
Does all this make a difference in tuning stability? Yes, the Vega-Trem when used with a well-cut nut and locking machine heads is just as stable as a double locking system like a Floyd Rose. It exceeds other designs that use locking saddles which lock the string to the saddle such as Wilkinson’s WSL saddles and the Vega-Trem’s saddles lock to the bridge after the intonation is adjusted so they do not move at all when you dump the tremolo or pull up to raise the pitch.
Does the Vega-Trem require any permanent alterations to your guitar? No, the Vega-Trem does not require any alterations to your guitar, you can remove it anytime and go back your stock tremolo or move it to another guitar.
